Everton v Chelsea Preview!

After the euphoria of a second win this season over Arsenal, Chelsea face a difficult trip to Goodison Park, this Wednesday, to take on an Everton side that have, apart from a defeat to Liverpool on Saturday, hit a run of form recently. A win, for Chelsea, would confirm their status as being top of the Premier League heading into an FA Cup weekend. A defeat would once again leave the door ajar for Manchester United to hit top spot.

Ahead of the clash Phil Neville, the more respected of the Neville brothers (in my opinion) has sounded his own battle-cry by remarking,

"I don`t think we should be afraid of anyone at the moment."

Whereas Carlo Ancelotti has left nobody in any doubt as to the importance of the match, commenting,

"We need to win because we need to stay top of the table. It won't be easy because against Everton now it's very difficult."

'Everton are playing very well. They lost their last game against Liverpool, but they were playing well in their previous matches."

'We have to pay attention. A lot of attention. It could be very important moment in the Premier League. It could be an important date.'

Anyone else can`t wait?

David Moyes saw his side hit hard by injuries earlier this season but, up to Saturday`s encounter with Liverpool, things were looking rosier. Phil Jagielka remains sidelined but several big names are now available. Mikel Arteta has returned after a very serious knee injury but isn`t quite ready for ninety minutes of competitive action but Moyes may have little choice if Fellaini fails a fitness test on the leg almost scythed in half on Saturday. Stephen Pienaar will also be absent after receiving a red card, late on, after a clash with Steven Gerrard.

It still haunts me that Saha claimed Roberto Di Matteo`s incredible fastest goal in a Wembley FA Cup Final, especially when you consider it was against us. A forward who, when fit; is able to live with the best around, a deadly finisher and a predator in front of goal. Let`s hope he has a quiet game.

Carlo Ancelotti takes his squad north in buoyant mood. A win over Arsenal has more-or-less turned the title into a two horse race. However, the awareness that a similar victory over Arsenal led to a poor run needs to be drummed into a squad that should only be missing the injured trio of Michael Essien, Juliano Belletti and Jose Bosingwa.

We doubt that Carlo will make too many changes ahead of the fixture as we believe he`ll use the FA Cup clash with Cardiff City, this Saturday, to give some of his fringe players a run out. Therefore, with John Terry once again seeking sanctuary on a football pitch, expect Chelsea to line up as follows:-

Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Carvalho, A.Cole,. Mikel, Lampard, Ballack, Malouda, Drogba, Anelka.

Rumoured to be on the way out to Dubai to sort out his personal life after the game tonight, since the media witch-hunt began John has put in some incredible performances, my money I son him to give an impervious display up at Goodison Park!

Goodison Park is a happy hunting ground for Chelsea with Chelsea not having lost there since 2000, a total of 24 competitive matches. Although the last three meetings have been draws!

Alan Wiley will be the referee taking control of the fixture!

Goodison Park is a tough place to go at the best of times let alone when the opposition will be dead keen to knock you off the top of the Premier League as well as give a constant verbal blast at your captain for ninety minutes. However, if we want to win the Premier League title then Goodison Park is the very sort of ground that you venture into, silence the home fans and walk away grinning that you`ve nicked the result. Everton can have as much of the play as they wish but if we can sneak a winner I`ll have a broad smile on my face for the rest of the week. 1-0 to Chelsea with Lampard scoring!

Saturday, 12:00 hours, is the scheduled kick-off for our next fixture, a thrilling FA Cup 5th round tie against high-flying Championship side, Cardiff City. Stamford Bridge is sold out for what promises to be a classic England v Wales encounter!

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